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Free agent Messi is not short of potential suitors
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PA Sport staff
Press Association
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona (Nick Potts/PA)
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona (Nick Potts/PA)

Lionel Messi's two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain ended in a 3-2 home defeat to Clermont Foot at the weekend.

An option to extend his stay with the Ligue 1 champions has not been activated and the World Cup winner has been heavily linked with a return to Barcelona, although he does have other alternatives.

Here, we look at where the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner might go next.

Barcelona

Considering Messi, 35, never really wanted to leave Barca and was effectively forced out as the club's financial problems meant they could not afford to renew his contract, due to wage cap issues, a return to his spiritual home seems the obvious choice.

Even last summer, club president Joan Laporta said it was the club's responsibility to "find a moment to fix that chapter" so it has "a more beautiful ending". 

But despite losing the long-serving Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba off the wage bill for next term, the Spanish champions still have to cut costs to satisfy LaLiga.

Lionel Messi is up for grabs following a largely underwhleming spell with PSG
Lionel Messi is up for grabs following a largely underwhleming spell with PSG

Al Hilal

One place where money is not an issue is Saudi Arabia — for who Messi is a tourism ambassador — and the Saudi Pro League has already attracted Cristiano Ronaldo to Al Nassr this year. 

Messi has been linked with Al Hilal, who would have no problems enhancing his net annual salary of £31million. 

Yet less than a year after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar, he may not be ready to step away from the limelight.

Lionel Messi could follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia
Lionel Messi could follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia

Inter Miami

While not an elite-level club, David Beckham's Inter Miami have long been touted as a final destination for the South American.

If Messi moved to the United States, he would become Major League Soccer's highest-profile signing and highest-paid player in history. 

The attacker, who has a home in Miami, has spoken in the past of wanting to play in America and the lifestyle in Florida — which has a large Hispanic community — would appeal. 

He would, however, again have to accept his days at the very highest level are over and also have to accept a significant pay cut.

Manchester City

It seems slightly more fanciful for Messi to consider a reunion with his former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. 

While that move would be based on mutual respect and emotional ties, it could be argued he needs the all-conquering Premier League champions, who could win theTreble if they beat Inter Milan in Saturday’s Champions League final, more than City need him

They are probably the only English club who could afford him.

But with more than 100 Premier League charges regarding financial fair play already hanging over them, it is debatable whether City would want to invite that extra scrutiny.

Tags

Lionel MessiParis Saint-GermainBarcelonaLigue 1LaLigaArgentina
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